Introduction
The JBL Charge 4 and the JBL Flip 4 are both great speakers that offer a lot of the same functionality and features. For example, both speakers are IPX7 waterproof, support Bluetooth 4.2, and can be connected to other JBL speakers using JBL Connect. However, there are some differences between the speakers, and in this video I’ll dive into what those differences are.
Form Factor
The JBL Charge 4 looks and feels like a much bigger device than the JBL Flip 4. The JBL Charge 4 weighs in at just over two pounds, while the JBL Flip 4 weighs in at just over one pound. Most people can comfortably carry the JBL Flip 4 around in one hand, but because of its size, you may not be able to do that with the Charge 4.
The JBL Charge 4 has a stand on the bottom that comfortably supports the device. Alternatively the JBL Flip 4 rests on a plastic piece that runs across the back of the device.
Both JBL Bluetooth speakers have a similar appearance, wrapped in the same wire and mesh combination, with an orange, metal plate on the front featuring the JBL logo.
Button Access
The buttons on both the JBL Charge 4 and JBL Flip 4 are easy to access, but are in different places. All of the buttons on the Charge 4 run along the top of the device, with the Power and Bluetooth buttons being the easiest to see in the center. Alternatively, the volume, Play, and Bluetooth buttons sit just above the bar that runs across the back of the JBL Flip 4, while the Power and JBL Connect buttons are built into the plastic bar.
One of the most convenient aspects of the JBL Charge 4 is the location of the LED lights that indicate the battery status. These five LED lights are located along the base of the Charge 4 on the front of the device. Alternatively, the five LED lights that indicate battery status on the JBL Flip 4 are located on the back of that device, making them harder to see.
Audio Quality
The JBL Charge 4 features roughly twice as much audio output power as the JBL Flip 4 and offers a deeper, richer bass sound. However, while the Flip 4 doesn’t pack as much punch, it produces a cleaner and more crisp sound, and higher pitches don’t get overrun by the bass, which can happen on the Charge 4. The added power of the JBL Charge 4 is nice, but the washed out sounds that can result from the pronounced bass is frustrating.
Power and Ports
The JBL speakers both take roughly four hours to fully charge, however you’ll get roughly 20 hours of playback with the Charge 4 and 12 hours from the Flip 4.
The ports are located on the back of each speaker, concealed behind a rubber flap. The JBL Flip 4 offers a micro USB cable for charging, and a 3.5 millimeter port for connecting your speaker to other devices, such as a laptop. Alternatively, the JBL Charge 4 offers a USB Type C port for charging your device, a 3.5 millimeter port for connecting external devices to your Bluetooth speaker, and a USB port you can use to charge other devices, which is something the JBL Flip 4 doesn’t offer.
The JBL Charge 4 (left) and the JBL Flip 4 (right). 
JBL Charge 4 (top) and the JBL Flip 4 (bottom). 
The JBL Flip 4 button layout. 
JBL Flip 4 (left) and the JBL Charge 4 (right). 
The button layout on the JBL Charge 4. 
The front of the JBL Charge 4. 
The back of the JBL Charge 4. 
Under the cover on the back of the JBL Charge 4. 
The front of the JBL Flip 4. 
JBL Charge 4 (left) and JBL Flip 4 (right). 
JBL Charge 4 (bottom) and JBL Flip 4 (top).
